2014 Dodge Durango Limited AWD

(Successfully) Filling the Void

Occupying the space between the unibody midsize three-row crossover (e.g. the Toyota Highlander) and the ladder-frame three-row large SUV (think Chevrolet Tahoe) sits but one vehicle. Yes, with the demise of the Kia Borrego a couple years ago, the Dodge Durango is the only sport/utility around that is a smidge larger than the car- and front-drive-based midsizers, yet a bit smaller than the truck- and rear-drive-based big boys.

Though being unique doesn’t always equate to success (sorry, Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet), for the Durango, the dividends are evident. In light of a comparable V-6 AWD Highlander, the Durango offers more cargo volume (84.5 cubic feet versus 83.2), can tow substantially more (6200 pounds versus 5000), and, at 17/24/19 mpg city/hwy/combined, suffers only a 1-mpg combined fuel-economy penalty while matching the highway number. Next to the bulkier V-8 Tahoe, the Durango measures 2.8 by 4.7 by 3.5 inches (L x W x H) smaller, but manages to offer 6.7 more inches of third-row legroom. For a family not wanting a minivan or a full-size sport ute, the Durango is seemingly the ultimate compromise.

At the test track, the 5131-pound Limited scooted from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds and through the quarter mile in 16.0 flat at 86.9 mph. Both times are slower than those of a Highlander XLE AWD (7.1, 15.4 at 90.5) and a Tahoe LTZ 4WD (7.0, 15.4 at 90.6), but respectable nonetheless. In the real world the portly Dodge never felt underpowered, thanks to an intuitive and seamless eight-speed automatic that maximizes the Pentastar’s 290 horses and 260 lb-ft. Around our figure eight, the Durango, wearing 265/50R20 Goodyear Fortera HL Edition rubber, held on for a time of 28.1 seconds, generating maximum lateral acceleration of 0.79 g. For comparison, the Highlander and Tahoe delivered 27.8/0.81 and 28.3/0.75, respectively. At 121 feet, the Durango’s 60-to-0-mph braking number trailed that of the Toyota (112) but equaled the Chevy’s. And in terms of cruising range, the Durango’s 590-mile stat -- thank you, 24.6-gallon fuel tank -- outdistances the Highlander’s and Tahoe’s by 129 and 18 miles, respectively.Beyond the Durango’s laudable objective stats were top-tier subjective impressions. The four-wheel independent suspension, with front control arms and a rear multilink setup, delivered a supple, luxurious ride without sacrificing much in the sporty department – a sense heightened by the direct, well-weighted steering. In fact, along a twisty road the Dodge’s behavior and capabilities belie its heft and size – this is a rig you can hustle and do so confidently. Naturally, pedal feel for both brake and throttle was excellent, and the well-positioned steering wheel paddle shifters provided welcome control over engine speed.

Inside, our six-passenger Limited tester proved to be a pleasing, roomy place. In addition to comfortable and rich-looking two-tone leather seating, the Detroit-built SUV offered up a sporty, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a space-saving rotary shifter, an adjustable multi-screen gauge display, a rear-seat entertainment system, and an easy-to-use nav system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Speaking of rear-seat entertainment, its Blu-ray/DVD player was conveniently located in the front-row center console, making it a breeze for mom or dad to swap discs, and its dual screens, mounted on the backs of the front seats, fold away out of sight when not in use. Other useful, practical touches include easy-to-fold second and third rows, a hip-level button for the power hatch located in the cargo area (easier to reach for shorter folks than a hatch-mounted button), and a second-row center aisle that eases ingress/egress for those relegated to the third row. (And relegated is a relative term, as the third row offers 31.5 inches of legroom.)

In the ever-growing world of sport-utilities, the Durango strikes a happy medium between the midsize crossover and the large SUV, offering carlike unibody construction combined with a choice of V-6 or V-8 power and rear- or all-wheel drive, all in a package that can seat up to seven and tow a large camper. Better yet, it’s rewarding to drive on a curvy road, pampers you on the highway, and nestles easily in the garage. No matter how you slice it, the Durango’s tough to beat.Want more on the 2014 Dodge Durango? Stay tuned - the three-row crossover competes in a Motor Trend Big Test comparison coming June 23.

I recently traded my 2013 Durango SXT Ralleye pkg V6. Which was an excellent vehicle in all areas (styling, comfort, ride quality, MPG, and dependability. I liked it as much as many other more expensive SUV's that I have owned. I bought a 2014 Durango R/T AWD. The main reason was for the new styling, extra options, and increased HP! The R/T is a American BadAss SUV!! If you are a man or a lead footed woman, and looking for a great SUV in all the areas mentioned above, at an excellent value!! Look no further!! This is the one to drive! You don't even need to consider the very Asian looking Toyota SUV or any of them. (What is up with the crazy puffed out Headlights and taillights?!! weird) I don't care were they are built they are designed in Japan and look very odd. I have owned an 2012 MDX nice, but talk about odd looking front ends! Have some American pride and drive an American designed and named SUV!!

I've had excellent success with my Pentastar V6 in my Wrangler the past 3 years. Even with the V6, this Durango gets decent 0-60 times. My dad's old Ford Country Wagon had a V8 and it took close to 12 seconds to get to 60 even though it was lighter (but longer). If I got this, I'd only get the V8, but if mpg is more important than performance, the V6 would work too.

Finally motortrend gives some attention to mid segment cars from America... It doesn't matter how trashy a Toyota SUV is, they always get tested on Motortrend and listed for the SUV of the Year almost immediately. But little to no attention to US cars. This SUV was launched at New York Autoshow 14 months ago, and its now when they make a test of it.

Well.. I own the 2012 V6 and I LOVE IT. The 3rd row seat is simply the BEST in the segment.. I read someone saying it was too high, but it is high just to give you some space to stretch your legs and prevent your knees to hit your chin like in many other 3rd row equipped suv's.

I just can't find anything to complaint about. Travel a lot in it, has 59k, never had an issue and getting 23mpg in all my trips and 20 at city/mixed driving. Awesome car for towing as well.. Best SUV in the segment. No doubt.

How does the Durango compare in size the the Traverse/Acadia? It seems like those occupy a similar size segment. I'd happily take the Durango over either of those based on looks and luxury. A coworker of mine has an Acadia, and I'm unimpressed by the interior materials, though not sure if they've been updated since she bought hers. It's a 2012.

Also, I don't understand why the author said "Naturally, pedal feel for both brake and throttle were excellent..." Is that statement based on previous Durango reviews? Are Chrysler SUVs known for having excellent pedal feel? I may be nitpicking, but it was a curious embellishment to the sentence that seems unnecessary.

It'd be nice if they at least mentioned the performance numbers from the available V-8, since I'm pretty sure that the numbers were given for the top performing Toyote engine.....don't know if you can get the 6.2 in the Tahoe or not? Probably in the GM Denali version...... Bet the HEMI cleans both comfortably (maybe even the 6.2 chev). I get that it'd suffer in mpg, but again, give the consumer the info and let them decide!

Gotta love the Durango. It seems to click all the right boxes. I never cared for the Second Gen and am glad this model, especially the refreshed 14 model, is as revolutionary as the original 98 model was.

I was very impressed with the 8 speed example I drove...though clearly down on power from the v8, the v6/8 speed combo feels *just right* in every situation save WOT. It's quick through city traffic and loafs along easily and quietly at 75+mph. Drive a little slower and the combo rewards with excellent mileage.

Eh, yes the parts should be cheaper seeing how the Explorer is based on the old Volvo-derived chassis. But this Durango has a 100k mile warranty. Ford? 60k miles. So in the event something does go wrong, I think you're covered. But the Pentastar and ZF have proved to be bulletproof, so Im not sure what parts you are eluding to?

@bdkennedy1 Sales completely disagree with you. Also, FYI, with the Durango coming out in 10 as an 11 model, the design would have been pinned down a long time before Fiat even came into the picture......

You better hunch over in the Durango 3rd row. Sliding forward to compensate for the lack of 3rd row headroom isn't the proper way to sit. Otherwise the Durango was nice. Well along with it's questionable Dodge quality.

The Durango is soon to be gone anyways but I would have dropped the V8 and designed the engine bay for a V6 to save a ton of weight.

And who thinks driving a Durango is cool? Only a Hillbilly I believe. For $50k on a Durango, I rather buy a low mileage MB, BMW or Porche Cayenne and not spend it on an SUV that will cost $20k or less in 3 years and will not make a statement. People will say "Meh, is a Dodge, yawnnn, zzzzzz"

@Huracan458 The highlander is a car on a high frame. Front wheel drive.. It doesn't compare to this.. Just look at the towing ratings for both.. That will tell a lot, even if you don't tow, you'll learn what the car is made for and what can it withstand.

Towing? 3500lb highlander vs 7400 durango.. More than twice... Do your own math.

Furthermore, go check the durango 3rd row seat comfort and compare it with the Highlander...

I'd like to understand why some people see japanese made cars like the only option, go check elsewhere!

@Huracan458 The Highlander shouldn't be compared to this SUV. The Highlander is a cross over or Minivan with style. It is about a foot shorter then the Dodge. The Tahoe and the toyota sequoia are much better match for this dodged.

The Lambdas are very close in size to the Durango. They are its most natural competitors as they are on the larger end of the class. In fact, the GM triplets are larger than the Tahoe/Yukon/Slades in volume in the interior, with far better 3rd row packaging. They just need a complete makeover now.

@Zack Kibler Size is VERY similar with GM models being a bit larger inside , mostly in third row. The newer Traverse and Acadia got a makeover (like the Durango) for 13 I think and they are much improved inside, we really liked the Traverse actually....it was our second choice.

You don't even attempt to hide your bias, do you, BD? It doesn't even really compete with the Highlander, if you just look at size and layout. The only similarity is a V6 and the fact that they're both SUVs. It's like saying a 5-Series is almost as good as an IS.

Right, I was mostly just curious why MT failed to mention the GM twins at all. It's bigger than the Highlander and smaller than the Tahoe, but evidently very similar to the Traverse, so why not compare it to that?

@Stew@Black Dynamite Online What, dream of being a really bad truck with bad resale value, horrible unreliable engine, and a company that had to get a government bail out and is now owned by an Italian auto company that made really bad cars in the past, so bad that they were kicked out of the U.S market and had to purchase Chrysler to just try and get back into the U.S and the best they could do was bring the tiny baby Fiat 500. Wow, yeah, you are right stew, the Highlander really wishes that it was more like your Italian import Dodge. Sorry but Dodge is no longer American, I hope I did not offend anyone by calling Dodge an import. But for now Dodge is an import, unless Fiat gets fed up with Chrysler because they are so horrible just like Daimler did in 2007. I Really love Dodge, every Dodge I've owned has had so many issues that the money I spent on them, I could of bailed out Chrysler.